Bengaluru, April 21 -- The Indian women's hockey team left from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, on Sunday night en route to Perth, Australia, via Singapore, for their upcoming five-match tour. The friendly series will begin with two matches against Australia A on April 26 and April 27, followed by three high-stakes encounters against the world no 5-ranked Australian senior team on May 1, May 3, and May 4, all set to be played at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

Led by dynamic midfielder Salima Tete, with experienced forward Navneet Kaur as her deputy, the 26-member squad will use the tour as a crucial preparation ahead of the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, which begins in June.

Speaking before departure, Captain Salim...